KiaSorento

2018 Kia Sorento GT-Line S first drive: Practical but pricey

There used to be nothing stylish about owning a seven-seater; boxy people-carriers were always a necessity and not a choice. However, the SUV revolution has seen many seven-seaters transform into far more appealing products, and the Kia Sorento certainly seems to be one of them, with versatility, space and good value all wrapped up in proper, big off-roader kudos. The Sorento is also already established as a solid option in the big SUV class with the much-liked predecessors, but can it take on the likes of new pretenders to the affordable seven-seat SUV throne, notably the Skoda Kodiaq?

First Impressions

There’s no getting away from the Sorento’s size, but Kia designers have made good use of the real estate. The signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is broad and flanked by a set of raked headlights, and our top-spec GT-Line S also features sportier body work, 19-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhausts and those funky ice-cube style daytime running lights.

Jump into the spacious cabin and you’ll find Kia’s latest 8-inch infotainment system that now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s responsive and easy to use, although the graphics do look a bit outdated when compared to rivals.

GT-Line S cars also get the luxury of 10-way adjustable heated and cooled leather seats, which are supportive in all the right places thanks to electric lumbar support. The middle row provides plenty of space, even for three adults thanks to good head room and a flat floor. The rearmost seats ...